Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. October 7, 2008 Obama Widens Lead Ahead of Debate --------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1E8FC4D:A6F02AD83191E1608835468FC0962812A13B8D4F2090AB2B& After sharpening verbal attacks on each other, Republican John Mc Cain, Democrat Barack Obama make final preparations for debate in Nashville, Tennessee Tuesday Watch the debate LIVE on USAVotes2008.com, from 0100-0300 UTC Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama talks to reporters about economic stimulus package in Ashville, North Carolina, 06 Oct 2008 U.S. polls show that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has widened his lead over Republican rival John Mc Cain ahead of a high-stakes debate Tuesday. A Washington Post-ABC News poll released Tuesday found Obama ahead of Mc Cain 51 to 45 in the midwestern state of Ohio, a key state in the race for the White House. The poll said respondents gave Obama higher marks on handling the economy and bringing change to Washington. A CNN national poll found that Obama leads Mc Cain 53 to 45 percent, double his lead from a September survey. But another national poll Tuesday by Reuters, C-SPAN and Zogby has Obama leading by just three percentage points. Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John Mc Cain Senator Mc Cain of Arizona and Senator Obama of Illinois debate Tuesday night in Nashville, in the southern state of Tennessee just as both campaigns intensify attacks that have become increasingly personal. On Monday, Mc Cain accused Obama of accepting campaign money from failed mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while turning "a blind eye" to their impending collapse. The Obama campaign released an ad about Mc Cain's role in a 1980s financial scandal. Tuesday night's debate will be a town hall-style format, which gives members of the audience a chance to ask questions. It will be the second of three scheduled presidential debates. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters. .